Fisher, Patrick on different tracks

May 23, 2008 – Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher, despite being women working in the same male-dominated sport, have had wildly different experiences in the months leading to Sunday’s race.

Patrick, as has been the case at every race since her debut in 2005, diligently posed for snapshots and signed the latest magazine spreads featuring her photo.

Fisher, meanwhile, signed a few autographs and posed for pictures, but this time had the added duty of collecting checks and wads of cash — gifts from devotees desperate to help her raise enough funds to enter her car in the race.

The scene underscored the stark contrast between the two drivers, who, despite being women working in the same male-dominated sport, have had wildly different experiences in the months leading up to Sunday’s Indy 500 race.